Defence | Windows | SOC

Windows Event IDs 4625 and 4771: A Deep Dive into Failed Authentication Attempts

Uncovering Security Threats and Vulnerabilities Through Windows Event Log Analysis

In the world of cybersecurity, monitoring and analyzing authentication logs is a critical task. Windows Event Logs are a treasure trove of information, especially when it comes to understanding and responding to failed authentication attempts. Two key event IDs that often appear in these logs are 4625 and 4771. Although they both indicate authentication failures, they serve different purposes and provide distinct insights. In this blog, we’ll delve into what these events signify, how they differ, and why they are essential for maintaining a secure environment.

Event ID 4625: Failed Logon Attempts

Event ID 4625 is one of the most common events you’ll encounter when dealing with failed logon attempts. It is triggered whenever a user or system attempts to log on to a Windows machine but fails.

Key Details in Event ID 4625:

▻Logon Type: Indicates the type of logon attempt like:

• 2: Interactive (logon at the console)